I bought a bike!

[IBrakeforPastry]

After visiting what I thought was every store in the area, I found another one through the Giant website. I went in today and tried a 2012 Giant that was marked down quite a bit. The owner admitted he bought too many XS's. I took it for a ride, up and down hills and came back excited. "Sweet ride" I told him. Then I tried a Cannondale. Even sweeter. Since it's the end of the season, and no one else was in the store, I spent about two hours trying the different bikes, back and forth. The C'Dale was a few hundred dollars more, but he knocked the price down a bit more. Both were 2012's and I couldn't decide which one he wanted to get rid of more No pressure - I felt he was really honest describing the two bikes and the companies.

The Cannondale really did fit better and it is now becoming acquainted with its stablemates. The color, you ask? Roan, or rather, Cabernet. I do like the color, but the big white CANNONDALE running down the side is a little flashy for my taste. It's also got white bar tape and a white saddle, which is surprisingly comfortable for a stock saddle.

So thanks again for all the advice. I really feel like I made the right decision... I hope

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations! Of course you must post photos!

[SFLiz]

So exciting! . Can we see some photos? so we can ooh, aah and ogle over it

[IBrakeforPastry]

I just ran out with my iPod and took a few shots. I think this one shows the color best (I hope I can post it):

Attachment 15511

Does that work?

ETA: Oh it's tiny - do they always post like that? Here's another:

[IBrakeforPastry]

Hey the link worked! How did I do that? Well, anyway, thanks for sharing the enthusiasm. Now I need a name for it. I've ridden in Italy, so I thought I'd pick a red wine town and use that, but I think I want something more fun. Maybe just "Eggplant". Or something.

My father passed away a few weeks ago and one of the reasons I wanted to get a new bike was to sort of celebrate life. I know he'd want that. Come to think of it, I think he hated eggplant I'll think of something.

[Owlie]

Very pretty! I love the purple!

[SFLiz]

Yawza....Soooooo Gorgeous!

I love how you choose to celebrate your father's life. I know how it is to lose a father. You have a beautiful attitude. I wish you much enjoyment on your new beauty - and she is a BEAUTY!

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'm sitting here with a dumb grin on my face. I guess that means I bought the right one Funny thing about my dad. Except for a one week vacation in the Adirondacks every year, he never rode a bike (and that ride was just a flat trip to the general store for ice cream). He didn't really like vegetables, and he really couldn't stand personal advertising. He would never wear any clothing that had a logo, name or other advertising on it. "If they want me to advertise, they can pay me" was his reasoning. So I ended up buying a plum/eggplant color bike with huge lettering down the frame. Thanks for the good wishes.

[thekarens]

Very pretty!

[TrekDianna]

Awesome bike!! I LOVE the color.

[murielalex]

Congrats! Nice bike!

[gocard]

Congratulations on your new bike! I test rode that model as well and it was a very comfortable ride. Enjoy!

[Bike Writer]

I LOVE the color and the white really set's it off! Congrats on your new ride and wishing you miles of smiles.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Aaargghh - it's raining this morning. We even had thunder! Maybe we'll get out later and slide around on the wet leaves.

Now would I be totally crazy to go back to LBS #3 and have him build that Surly to add to my collection?

[TrekDianna]

Aaargghh - it's raining this morning. We even had thunder! Maybe we'll get out later and slide around on the wet leaves.

Now would I be totally crazy to go back to LBS #3 and have him build that Surly to add to my collection?

Ummmm I would say no, not crazy....but, I am the one who bought both bikes I test rode a couple weeks ago because I couldn't decide. Don't listen to me. I am a bad influence and I clearly have no self control.